In the final two games of Round 3, winners today were Northern Blues and Casey Scorpions.
Both games came down to the final term, with Frankston and Footscray both leading in the early stages of the quarter.
Let's take a look at the Sunday victories:
Undefeated start for Blues
The Northern Blues remain undefeated and in third spot on the Bailey Ladders VFL Ladder at the end of Round 3, after overrunning Footscray today away from home.
For the third game in a row, the Blues trailed in final term, but were able to kick away to claim a 25-point win.
The Northern Blues jumped out to an early 32-point lead before Footscray had even troubled the scorers, with an inaccurate start to the day of 4.8; Blair Johnson and Tyson Thomas the forward targets early.
Tory Dickson led the Bulldog revival with two of four unanswered goals to get the home team back in the game.
Trailing by 12 points at half time, Jack Redpath and Dickson helped level the scores in the third term, then Nick Jamieson gave them the lead for the first time in the match.
Footscray led by just two points a three quarter time, and Tory Dickson extended this to five points early in the final term when he kicked his fifth after the Blues missed early chances. Johnson soon had his fourth to regain the lead for a Blues, and with two more unanswered majors to Denis Armfield and Jeff Garlett ensured they were home.
Johnson led the way with four goals for the Northern Blues, with Thomas kicking three and both featured in the Blues’ best, along with Brock McLean (24 disposals) and Nick Graham (25). Mitch Honeychurch was the best for Footscray, along with Dickson (five goals) and Fogarty.
Straight kicking gives Casey the win
Inaccuracy at home has again cost Frankston, defeated by Casey Scorpions by 15 points. The home side led at every change, barring the final siren, as Casey kicked four goals to one in the final term to move it back into the top eight.
A two goal seven behind first term cost the Dolphins a possible substantial quarter time lead, but instead they only led by 11 points, having restricted Casey to 1.2. Shane Hockey and Ben Cavarra leading the way in the middle.
The margin was the same at half time, but two late goals to Mark Jamar in the third term helped Casey to get within striking distance at three quarter time – trailing by six points.
In the final term it was not till the 14-minute mark that Casey’s Dan Nicholson levelled the scores, and the visitors hit the front by a point soon after.
Michael Lourey ensured it would go down to the wire as he kicked his first of the day to regain the lead for the home side by five points, as the clock neared time on.
Man of the match Christian Salem (37 possessions) kicked Casey back in front by two points, capitalising on good vision by Jake Best to regain the lead.
Best would be the match winner in the final term, dribbling one through from the boundary to give Casey a 10-point lead, then kicking the sealer soon after.
In a polar opposite to the Northern Blues, Frankston has also led in the final term of every game this year, but is yet to record its first win.
Evan Panozza in defence was among the best for Casey, along with Salem and Tim Smith up forward.
For Frankston Ziggy Alwan kicked two and was among their best, along with Leigh Kitchin, Cavarra and Tim Harper.
- CLICK HERE for all the Rd 3 final scores, plus best and goals
- CLICK HERE for the updated ladder for Rd 3
CLICK HERE to read all about the Friday and Saturday games this weekend in Round 3, with our Saturday Wrap.
Peter Jackson VFL podcast
Remember to listen to the VFL podcast, available on vfl.com.au this Tuesday (April 22) with special guests: Frankston coach Simon Goosey and Collingwood coach Dale Tapping.
CLICK HERE to listen to the first edition with Luke Webster & Aussie Jones
Last Modified on 20/04/2014 18:10